Associate Dean for Spiritual Formation

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Salary Range

Overview

Reporting to the Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, the Associate Dean for Spiritual Formation oversees all YDS initiatives related to student spiritual formation including denominational programs, worship, and programming intended to develop students’ faith and self-growth.  The associate dean oversees curricular internship programs and community volunteer opportunities for students as part of their development.  The student portfolio and review process is managed by the associate dean as a way of tracking  and monitoring student growth.  The associate dean partners with the registrar and degree program directors on data collection including job placement statistics and on the degree assessment program.   The associate dean works closely with the MDIV Integrative Seminars and the Integrative Seminar faculty. The associate dean stewards resources in support of spiritual formation including staffing, space, and budgets. The associate dean builds relationships with denominational leaders and congregations, as well as with the non-profit and justice communities, in the wider New Haven religious community. The associate dean may be asked to assume additional responsibilities based on circumstances and needs.

Denomination Programs

Recruit and supervise the directors of Black Church Studies, Lay Catholic Studies, Lutheran Studies, Methodist Studies, and Reformed Studies programs. Ensure that the appropriate courses are offered for the fulfillment of the denomination certificate programs. Support programming to foster formation within denominations. Collaborate with the formation directors from ANS and BDS to ensure alignment with spiritual formation program goals and to foster collaboration across denominations.

Worship

Supervise the heads of Marquand chapel and ensure spiritually meaningful and academically enriching worship services. Ensure that all worship spaces are programmed appropriately for student development. Foster collaboration among denomination leaders and chapel staff.

Internships

Hire and supervise the directors of the internship program. Ensure continued placement opportunities for our students and help to develop new partnerships. Support the creation of volunteer opportunities in the New Haven community for our students.

Evaluation and Assessment

Maintain the online portfolio process and supervise the student employees who manage the software. Meet with all students to review their individual progress on meeting their vocational goals. Connect the online portfolios to the work being done in the integrative seminars. Convene mid-degree consultations with all M.Div. students in their second year of study. Collect employment data on each graduating class. Collaborate with the registrar and degree program directors on the annual degree assessment process.

Outreach to New Haven Area Faith Communities

Nurture connections between YDS and the religious communities in the New Haven area, welcoming clergy and leaders to campus, and helping students connect with appropriate faith communities for their own needs and vocational hopes. Develop formalized programs to support religious congregations.

Required Skills & Abilities

1. At least 7 years of experience in spiritual development and formation in an academic, ecclesial, or related setting that involved the supervision of staff and management of budgets.

2. A demonstrated commitment to interdenominational and interreligious work.

3. A demonstrated ability to collaborate and forge partnerships within YDS, Yale, and external communities.

4. Demonstrated strong management, organizational, and analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. An earned doctorate in theology, religious studies, or a closely related field strongly preferred.

2. MDiv degree or experience with MDiv students and curricula.

3. Familiarity with ATS accreditation standards.

4. Connections within the wider New Haven religious communities.

5. Ability to manage grants.

Principal Responsibilities

Required Education and Experience

Master’s degree with a minimum of eight years of higher education experience working with students, faculty and university administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through  their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.